A Travel Price Comparison for Italy San Remo vs. Bari for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit San Remo or Bari?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit San Remo or Bari? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

San Remo and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Remo or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari than San Remo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bari is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while San Remo attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. San Remo is more touristy than Bari and is known for its olives, lemons, and flower market. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is San Remo different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari and San Remo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Remo or Bari?

Bari is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in San Remo or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Bari is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is San Remo or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Bari has a large number of nightlife venues. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is San Remo or Bari Better for Beaches?

San Remo is a great coastal city for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Many people visit San Remo for it's beautiful beaches. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is San Remo or Bari Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both San Remo and Bari.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in San Remo or Bari?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both San Remo and Bari.

San Remo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is San Remo or Bari Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Remo or Bari.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in San Remo. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is San Remo or Bari Better for Couples?

San Remo is a great coastal city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

San Remo is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is San Remo or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is San Remo or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo is not popular with students.

Bari is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

San Remo is not popular with students.

Is San Remo or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both San Remo and Bari.

San Remo has some public transit options. There are local buses around town.

You'll find some public transit in Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is San Remo or Bari a more walkable city?

San Remo and Bari are superb when it comes to walkability.

San Remo is a very walkable destination. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

For even more information, also check out Is San Remo Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or San Remo?

How long in San Remo or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both San Remo and Bari. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bari than in San Remo. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for San Remo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

Families should spend more time in Bari than San Remo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Bari, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Remo than Bari. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Remo that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than San Remo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bari.

One day in San Remo or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Remo. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The port city of Bari offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in San Remo or Bari?

San Remo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bari, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in San Remo or Bari?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of San Remo. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in San Remo or Bari?

The historic coastal city of San Remo offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Bari is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Remo and Bari, we can see that San Remo is more expensive. And not only is Bari much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bari would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bari and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Remo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Remo than you might in Bari.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Remo Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Remo or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of San Remo and Bari, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit San Remo or Bari?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit San Remo or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Remo and Bari. Most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

San Remo is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In San Remo, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Remo usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. San Remo gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Remo usually receives more rain than Bari. San Remo gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Remo or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Remo as well as Bari. The autumn months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the autumn, San Remo is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Remo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, San Remo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. San Remo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

San Remo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Remo usually gets more rain in October than Bari. San Remo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Remo or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and San Remo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to San Remo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, San Remo is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 9°C (48°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. San Remo gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Remo usually receives more rain than Bari. San Remo gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Remo or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and San Remo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

San Remo is around the same temperature as Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, San Remo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. San Remo gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets more rain in April than Bari. San Remo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and San Remo